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The presidential frontrunner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has described the rare coincidence of Christians and Muslims commencing their fasting and abstinence religious observances on the same day as a remarkable moment deserving national reflection and reverence.
In a message shared via his official handle on X, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential flagbearer of the Labour Party noted that the simultaneous commencement of Lent and Ramadan represents a profound spiritual milestone for the country.
According to Obi, “Today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks a moment of extraordinary spiritual convergence in Nigeria — a nation richly blessed by God with abundant resources, yet long hindered by poor leadership. For the first time in many years, the Christian season of Lent and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begin on the same day.”
The former governor of Anambra State described the development as more than a coincidence of dates, stressing that it symbolises shared sacrifice, sober reflection, and the possibility of national rebirth at a time when the country’s collective identity has faced significant strain due to governance challenges.
Obi observed that both sacred periods are characterised by fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving, adding that the alignment could fittingly be regarded as a “Double Fast” — a divine call for citizens to rise above religious and ethnic differences while rediscovering their shared humanity.
“As millions of Nigerians — Christians and Muslims alike, from North to South — abstain from food and drink, or devote themselves to forty days of penance and prayer, we are united in a single purpose: to seek the mercy of the Almighty for the healing of our land,” he stated.
The ADC chieftain further urged Nigerians to use the spiritual season to intensify prayers against insecurity and economic hardship confronting the nation, while emphasising that prayer must be complemented by tangible acts of compassion and responsibility.
“This rare coincidence, this shared season of fasting, calls for intensified prayer against the insecurity and economic hardship confronting our country. But prayer alone is not enough; it must be paired with action. It urges us toward charity for the vulnerable, forgiveness of one another, and the self-discipline both faiths commend. Many will rightly see this period as a necessary spiritual reset for our troubled nation,” Obi added.
He called on citizens to engage deeply in spiritual reflection, urging that the season should inspire empathy for the suffering of others and strengthen collective resolve for national peace and unity.
“Let this season become a time of deep spiritual engagement. May our hunger remind us of our neighbours’ suffering, and may our prayers stand as a shield over our nation. May our sacrifices be accepted, and may this unique alignment usher in a lasting era of peace and unity across Nigeria.
“A Holy Lent and Ramadan Kareem to all. With our prayers and shared resolve, a New Nigeria is Possible,” he concluded.
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